“Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael.

“Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people.”

His manager said the speculation was 'irresponsible' [Wenn]

Michael was on a skiing holiday with his wife, Corinna, and their two children shortly after Christmas in 2013.

He hit his head on rocks at the ski resort, and was airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble.

After two life-saving operations, the seven-time world champion was placed in a medically induced coma for six months.

Two years ago, Corinna revealed his health was improving, and told Neue Post: “It’s getting better, slowly certainly, but in any case it’s improving.”

Michael was injured in 2013 while on holiday with his wife Corinna and their two children [Wenn]

His family then released a statement, asking the star continue his recovery out of the public eye.

The statement, released by Michael’s agent, read: “His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months.

“For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye.”

Just weeks ago, a former team mate hailed the champion as a “huge influence” on his career.

His family have asked for privacy as he continues to recover[Wenn]

Felipe Massa announced his retirement ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, and said: “I have decided to announce it here, since Michael announced his retirement here as well.